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i-ai-ely seen; bul ihev have beeu captuied, according to 

 reports received at this ottice, in probably every county 

 of the State. As the forests are removed, the Opos- 

 sum, hunters say, is discovered in localities north 

 wardly, where, in former years it was rarely, if ever 

 seen. 



.A NIGHT PROWLER. 



The Opossum hunts in the night and on bright star- 

 light or moonlig'ht nights, in warm weather, can often 

 be seen moving about iu a rather slow and awkward 

 pace. Unlike the Wildcat, Red Fox, and some other 

 preying animals it does not go far from its home; and 

 sometimes, but r.ot often, according to my experience, 

 is it found tiaveliug by daylight, yet frequently it goes 

 out in quest of food by twilight. 



ITS NEST. 



The Opossum's home is situated in vaiious places, 

 such as hollow logs, old stumps which are hollowed 

 and protected above, or in cavities which the animal 

 makes under roots of trees or stumps; and they have 

 been known to take up their quarters, like Skunks, 

 Minks and Weasels often do, under the farmer's build- 

 ings. Their nests are lined with miscellaneous ma- 

 terials, such as leaves, grasses, lichens, etc. 



HUNTS -A. TREE WHEN PURSUED. 



The mischievous small boy when discovered iu 

 wrongdoing will, usually, if his capture is attempted, 

 start off for home as fast as his legs can carry him. 

 The Opossum does not do this. He climbs up the 

 nearest tree, when dogs or Foxes attempt to catch him, 

 and makes himself comfortable. He will sit there 



